Every month, I write a blog post that addresses issues we are seeing in our profession or healthcare. Usually, I have no problem deciding what to write, but this month has been different. It’s different because I feel like 2022 has been more of the same: another challenging year for many dealing with violence; issues with diversity, equity, and inclusion; a higher cost of living; RSV ramping up; staffing issues; and nurses leaving their positions and even the profession.

Where is the Joy?

Joy is defined by the Oxford dictionary as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Talking to people this year I have heard time and time again:

“I can’t find joy. I can’t find joy in my life or my work.” 

How Can We Find Joy? 

1. Joy is found within you. Stop looking for someone or something else to bring it to you. Many people look for joy outside of themselves. They look for someone or something to bring them happiness in their life. These people spend endless hours searching, often moving from job to job, hoping the grass is greener and finding it’s not. Pick up a mirror and take a look at yourself; joy and happiness from within changes your entire perspective.
2. Work on yourself first; it’s not your job to fix others. The FAA gets this right, “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.”  It’s so easy to point the finger at others in our families or at our jobs. We need to be accountable for who we are, what we do, and how we treat others. Many of us are feeling down or anxious; if it’s more than occasional ups and downs, seek help from a professional.
3. Just say no! Many of us are overextended working multiple jobs, picking up extra shifts at work, and assuming multiple roles. We need to stop saying yes to everything and set our own limits. Personal time is one of our most valuable assets and once it’s gone you can never get it back.
4. Decide on your most important and impactful roles and focus on those. I am a wife and mother and when my children were young, I sometimes placed work above my family. I regret it now because I missed some of the key events that were important to them. While we may cringe at attending those elementary school concerts, being there means the world to our children and it is important to them. We can’t be the best at everything, so choose your priorities wisely.
5. Show gratitude. Giving of ourselves produces more joy than receiving gifts. Taking the time to say thank you and giving without expecting anything in return can often make a difference in someone else’s life and make them feel valued. This is why we went into nursing – because we care and want to make a difference.

It’s Time to Find your Joy and Share It

So here we are at the end of 2022, taking stock of the things that went well and not so well and deciding how to make 2023 even better. There are things we can’t control in our lives, but there are many things that are within our control. As you look to celebrate the holidays with your friends and loved ones, don’t forget to find your joy, share it with others and let your light shine bright.